A multi-layer or multi-element foam insert for a pneumatic inner tube emulating the effect of air pressure, across a wide range of temperatures and pressures, while maintaining the weight of a conventional air-tilled pneumatic tube. By combining materials of different density and/or the orientation and thickness of such materials, favorable handling properties are achieved.

A foam filled wheel and its manufacturing method, wherein it comprises: a steel ring, connecting a power device of the car, wherein the steel ring has a filling mouth; a tire set outside around the steel ring; and filling materials, disposed between the steel ring and the tire through the filling mouth; it is characterized in that: the filling materials are foaming materials, thereby the tire will not leak, thence it is achieved that the tire can support the car steadily in case of damage.

A manufacturing method and device for a foam filled tire comprises the following steps: a. taking off a gas nozzle check valve of the tire; b. setting foaming materials in a destined proportion; c. mixing the foaming materials into filling materials, then placing into an inner space of the tire; d. covering the gas nozzle check valve after a destined time; e. filling the inner space of the tire after finishing the foaming process. Thereby it is achieved that the tire will not leak and support a car steadily.

Disclosed herein are methods for degrading polyurethane foam from mounted polyurethane foam-containing tires, methods for separating a wheel from a mounted polyurethane foam-containing tire, methods for preparing a degradable foam-containing tire, and degradable foam-containing tires. The methods include applying a solution comprising at least one phosphorous oxoacid or an ester thereof to the polyurethane foam inside of a tire, incorporating a degradant comprising at least one phosphorous oxoacid or an ester thereof into the polyurethane foam, or both, and then heating to degrade the foam. Degradation of the foam allows for separation of the wheel from the rubber carcass of the tire.

Disclosed is a combination flat-proof tire and low friction insert having particular application for use on a motorcycle. The insert is preferably manufactured from a resilient (e.g., closed cell foam) material. The insert fills the tire and is movable relative thereto. A low friction sleeve surrounds the insert so as to reduce both friction and heat at the interface of the insert and the tire to minimize the degradation and replacement of the insert. By way of example, the low friction sleeve is manufactured from a smooth textile material having a thickness of about 0.005 inches. In one embodiment, the insert is separated into a plurality of compressible segments aligned side-by-side one another around the tire. Relatively hard spacers are located between adjacent pairs of the insert segments to apply compressive forces to the insert segments in response to road conditions.

A module, usable with a plurality of other modules, to obtain an annular modular assembly adapted to fill a tire of a cycle or motorcycle. The module can be removably inserted into the tire and includes a body made of foamed elastomeric material defining a portion of the annular modular assembly. The body has a shape of circular or ellipsoidal section with tapered end areas designed, in use, to remain facing or in contact with one of the tapered end areas of the adjacent modules. The tapered end areas define respective planes converging toward the center of the tire and angularly spaced by an angle between 8? and 30?.

A support assembly for a vehicle travels along a road surface and rotates relative to the road surface and the vehicle. The first support assembly includes a spherical tread layer for contacting the road surface, a foam layer adjacent the spherical tread layer, the foam layer including adjustable elements for altering an outer physical contour of the spherical tread layer, the outer physical contour contacting the road surface, a spherical wheel/tire for supporting the spherical tread layer and the vehicle, and a drive system magnetically driving rotation of the spherical wheel/tire relative to the vehicle such that no portion of the spherical tread layer physically contacts the vehicle.

The invention relates to a vehicle wheel assembly, comprising 1) a wheel rim (4) having two opposed circular rim flanges (5); 2) an outer tire (3) having two beads secured at the circular rim flanges (5); 3) a non-pneumatic inner tire (1) comprising expanded thermoplastic polyurethane (E-TPU), which inner tire (1) is enclosed by the outer tire (3) and the wheel rim (4); wherein the inner tire (1) in the assembly is in a compressed state S1, which state is compressed as compared to a relaxed state S2 when the inner tire (1) is not enclosed by the outer tire (3), the compression being such that the cross-sectional surface area SA of the inner tire (1), which area is perpendicular to the plane of the tire, is smaller in state S1 than in state S2.

A multi-layer or multi-section foam insert replacement for a pneumatic inner tube emulates the effect of air pressure, across a wide range of temperatures and pressures, while maintaining the weight of a conventional air-filled pneumatic tube. Through the use of different density materials and/or the orientation and thickness of such materials, desirable handling properties are achieved. The multi-layer/multi-section foam insert can be produced by steam molding or extrusion of foam materials.

Disclosed herein are methods for degrading polyurethane foam from mounted polyurethane foam-containing tires, methods for separating a wheel from a mounted polyurethane foam-containing tire, methods for preparing a degradable foam-containing tire, and degradable foam-containing tires. The methods include applying a solution comprising at least one phosphorous oxoacid or an ester thereof to the polyurethane foam inside of a tire, incorporating a degradant comprising at least one phosphorous oxoacid or an ester thereof into the polyurethane foam, or both, and then heating to degrade the foam. Degradation of the foam allows for separation of the wheel from the rubber carcass of the tire.